My son is 20months old and he has dry cough for more than 2 months. Consulted a doctor and she said it may be seasonal allergies. But cough reoccurs every 2 or 3 days.. is there any remedies?

Question

Accepted Answer

If your 20-month-old son has been experiencing a dry cough for more than two months, especially with recurrence every few days, it’s important to consider that allergies or environmental factors could be contributing to the issue. Here are some remedies and tips that may help alleviate his cough:

Home Remedies:

1. Honey: If your son is over 12 months old, you can give him a teaspoon of honey. Honey can soothe the throat and may help reduce coughing. Avoid honey if your child is younger than one year due to the risk of botulism.

2. Hydration: Ensure your child is well-hydrated. Warm fluids, such as herbal teas or warm water with a little lemon, can soothe the throat and reduce coughing.

3. Steam Inhalation: Create steam in the bathroom by running a hot shower. Sit with your child in the bathroom for about 15-20 minutes to help relieve congestion and soothe the airways.

4. Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room can add moisture to the air, which may help ease coughing, especially during dry seasons or when using heating systems.

5. Elevate the Head: If possible, elevate your child's head while sleeping. This can help reduce coughing at night. You can do this by placing a pillow under the mattress (not directly under the head) to create a slight incline.

6. Saline Drops: If there is nasal congestion, using saline nasal drops can help clear the nasal passages and may alleviate some coughing.

Environmental Considerations:

Identify Allergens: Since the doctor mentioned seasonal allergies, try to identify and minimize exposure to potential allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

Clean Environment: Keep your home clean and free from dust and allergens. Regularly wash bedding, vacuum, and consider using air purifiers.

When to Seek Further Medical Attention:

If the cough worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever, or persistent vomiting.

If your child is not improving with home remedies or if you notice any signs of dehydration or fatigue.

Since this has been an ongoing issue for more than two months, it might be beneficial to follow up with your pediatrician or consider seeking a second opinion, especially if you suspect allergies or if new symptoms develop. A pediatric allergist may also provide further insight and management options if allergies are confirmed.

Answer

Thank you so much for your detailed response.. I am consulting paediatric allergist.. we are trying to do everything you have suggested.. 
we don’t have pets. My primary suspect is dust and pollen.. 
but some days he is not getting cough even he went out in two wheeler inhaling every pollutant available in the city.. 
I vacuum and clean my home every week. Washing every curtain and bedsheets..
I give him herbal warm water with Tulsi and Karpooravalli.
Looking closely on what I feed him every day.
I m trying hard to identify the triggers but can’t.
Even we stopped using it perfumes, incense sticks, comfort. But it’s not the trigger.
We have many trees around us and it may be pollen.
2 days back we went to Doctor again for review. She said he is fine, since he have no fever, active, no congestion, no deficiency and good weight gain too. 
She assures he will recover as soon as climate changes. But we still have 3 months of winter left. 
seeing him suffer breaks my heart. 
I m afraid may be we are missing something in the diagnosis.